March 8, 2010

A week doesn’t go by without a question from someone about whether to continue to write–or give it up and do something else. I expect the ongoing state of the economy, plus all the changes we’re seeing in the publishing industry now, are at the root of the questions.

Toto, We’re Not in Kansas Anymore

I’m no longer as comfortable jumping up and down, rah-rahing and chanting, “Don’t quit! Don’t quit!” Each writer is different, and I can’t predict someone’s future success, but there are things you can ask yourself when making this decision. Over the weekend, I read two good articles that asked some hard-hitting questions designed to help you decide if you should quit or forge ahead with your writing career plans and goals.

“Four Signs that You Need to Re-Evaluate Your Writing Goals” included (1) lack of forward momentum, (2) boredom or lack of motivation, (3) low return on investment of your time and energy, and (4) negative or no feedback. Descriptions of each symptom were given in the article. Each area is important to consider in making your decision, says writer Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen.

Another post discussed the signs that it’s time to give up on your writing dreams. Some of the signs included (1) losing the joy of writing your novel, (2) talking about writing more than actually writing, (3) having lost your creativity, (4) dreading the thought of pursuing your goal, (5) inability to overcome lack of self-discipline to write, and (6) resenting the time and energy the goal takes. There are many more symptoms listed in the article.

All of those reasons are valid and important. And since I don’t feel well today, I can truthfully check off six out of six right now. And I recall three distinct periods in my thirty-year writing life where I had all four symptoms on the first list: no momentum, not motivated, no response when trying to find a new publisher, and so little return on my investment of time and energy. I never seriously considered giving up though–and I’m glad I didn’t, since things eventually changed.

How Do You Know?

How do you know when all those symptoms are part of the cycle that all writers go through from time to time (both before and after publication)? How do you know when they are signs that maybe you should move on and try something else?

I don’t have the answers, but you need to consider the questions. If you aren’t feeling this way now, trust me: at some point you will. On what criteria will you base your decision?

A Very Personal Decision

Which of the areas mentioned above figure highest in your concerns? For some of you, it is getting no feedback from agents and editors. For others, you’re finding you hate all the self-promotion that has accompanied your book publication. Others may be writing more but selling less or making less money–and you need the income.

What criteria do YOU use to decide to hang in there and keep pursuing your writing goals? Do you have what it takes to be a successful writer? If you’re not sure, read this list of seven personality traits of writers. You might be pleasantly surprised!

8 Comments »

1. 

   Kristi, I just got through one of these periods of thinking that maybe I am supposed to quit! I’ve had a lot of trouble being disciplined and “finding my way” following a major life change. Every time one of these periods has visited me and I think, “I must not supposed to be doing this now,” I get a new assignment. And I have again! And not just one, but two. They are small, and that is okay because that is what I can handle right now. I am thankful. And working. And happy.

   Comment by Jane Healy — March 8, 2010 @ 9:26 pm

2. 

   Jane, that is so uncanny. You described my life to a T! And a couple of recent small assignments kept me moving forward too. You’re so right that major life changes–or even just natural “rites of passage”–can make a person stop and re-think their life’s direction. Thanks for sharing!

   Comment by Kristi Holl — March 9, 2010 @ 6:01 am

3. 

   Hi, Kristi!
   I’m not sure if I suffered burnout or lack of interest. I majored in Creative Writing in college and dreamed of writing for a living, any type of writing, but knew most writers also had a day job. My goal after graduation was to land a M-F office job and get out of fast food. Once I finally got the job, I had already decided to go back to school to become an elementary school teacher. As a child, I had gone from wanting to be a teacher to wanting to be a number of other “things.” But teaching kept coming back. When the time was right, I became a teacher. I spent 6 years being a part-time student to get my degree. During this time, the only things I ever wrote were occasional journal entries, letters, and LESSON PLANS. Two years later, and still without a classroom to call my own, I have turned to writing once more. I do work in the schools a bit, which is refreshing and gives me hope.

   The change in my writing was actually a result of my sister having written something while she struggled with feelings of inadequacy. She wanted me to read it. I thought it was GOOD, like I could picture an adult novel. I told her as much and became inspired to look into my own writings, ancient as they were. I was shocked to discover that all I had to my credit was half a YA novel, 9 short stories (only 3 are even half decent), and over 100 poems.

   I now have 5 manuscripts complete and working on a marketing system. Not sure if it was burnout or not. But I’m glad I’m back in the writing game. And this time, it’s not that I won’t stop or quit again, I CAN’T stop writing. I indeed feel like a walking idea book.

   Thanks for the post, Kristi! (And great name, too!)
   -Christie

   Comment by Christie Wright Wild — March 9, 2010 @ 6:31 am

4. 

   Hi, Christie, and thanks for the long thoughtful post! As a long ago former elementary teacher who turned to writing, I identified with a lot of your story. I tried a number of things in my early and mid-twenties too before I hit on the writing bug that wouldn’t let go. Sounds like writing ability runs in your family. Maybe you’ll be the next Bronte sisters! You sound very organized and working now, a move from writing as a hobby toward writing as a career. (And I like your name too!)

   Comment by Kristi Holl — March 9, 2010 @ 6:39 am

5. 

   The title of your post caught my eye just now as I was browsing through several favorite blogs. Oh, my. If I had given up???? Just think what I would have missed!

   Comment by Myra Johnson — March 9, 2010 @ 1:11 pm

6. 

   Myra, you are one of my shining stars, that’s for sure! I am so pleased with how things have taken off for you! I hate to even think how many years ago you were my student, but you’re such a great example of what can happen when you don’t quit. Love your website, by the way!!

   Comment by Kristi Holl — March 9, 2010 @ 1:20 pm

7. 

   I’ve certainly been down this road many times before.
   I know in my heart that no matter how long it takes, I’ll never quit.

   I do sense there may be times in my life where I won’t have nearly as much as time as I do now to work on my fiction, but I could never give it up forever. It’s too much a part of me, and I love books and storytelling too much for that.

   It was through writing that I finally put my stubborn nature to good use. After years of giving up too easily on things, I found something that I couldn’t let go of. No matter how long it took to see improvements in my skills.

   I read the tips on that link you gave, and I’ll admit I’m not rock solid in all areas. But I’m way better now than at the beginning.

   Late last year, I was in a very bad place, and I must say, one of the things that helped me bounce back, was your post about Jane Yolen and writing more.

   At the time, I was still in a struggling and depressed state of mind. I knew she spoke the truth, but couldn’t use that truth to my advantage.

   But now that I found a fun, supportive, and critique group, my productivity’s way up!

   Plus, I’m glad I can help someone else make their writing a little bit better, on the days when my own work seems is in that limbo between “Good” and “Great.”

   This is the first time in a long while that I enjoyed nearly every step of the writing process. Well, except the editing, but that’s mostly because grammar and formatting are still tough for me.

   I will say that I don’t agree with idea that writers who don’t go to writer’s conferences are lazy.

   I’d love to go to one, but the writer’s conferences and workshops I most want to attend are too far away for me to travel. If it’s not the upfront cost, it’s being unable to go to NY, or LA, or even OHIO.

   I live in Michigan, and rarely find anything that’s

   A. Affordable

   B. Possible to get to.

   It’s a shame too, I’ve always wanted to travel, but since I don’t drive, and have little money to my name, I find that statement a severe insult.

   So thanks especially for that Jane Yolen post you did, I see the value in it now that I’m back from that pain abyss I was last year before Christmas.

   C.J.

   Comment by C.J. Rockwell — March 9, 2010 @ 3:14 pm

8. 

   C.J., I enjoy your posts so much. I’m thrilled that Jane Yolen’s advice meant so much to you–it did to me too at a critical time. You sound a lot like me–stubborn–and you’re right. Writing is a good place to put that stubborn streak to use! It’s not for the faint of heart, is it? I don’t agree with the “lazy” comment either. I had too many single parent years where I was trying to keep food on the table and things like writers’ conferences were pure luxury. I only got to hear Jane Yolen because she came to San Antonio, where I now live. What a treat that retreat was!

   Comment by Kristi Holl — March 9, 2010 @ 4:25 pm

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